Briefcases for any budget
When you’re in the workplace, you want to look professional, and you can’t do that with a Hello Kitty backpack. Though the idea of a briefcase may bring to mind movie spies opening up dusty black cases of cash, there are plenty of less-stuffy modern options out there. Running the gamut from high-end choices to budget picks available for under $100, these are the best attaché cases, messenger bags and wheeled laptop cases you can buy.
The best high-end briefcases
Coach Metropolitan Slim: available from Macy’s
Coach proves that it’s possible to be functional and stylish with a compact case that can accommodate a 15-inch laptop and offers fabric interior lining along with a cell phone pocket and exterior sleeves with magnetic closures.
Tumi Alpha 3 Leather Portfolio: available from Macy’s
As a premier name in luggage, Tumi lives up to its reputation when it comes to its vast array of briefcases. While the brand has both slimmer and more spacious offerings, this one from the Alpha 3 line gets the nod because it combines an attractive leather exterior with a wealth of organizational pockets, including one that has a water-resistant lining, so you can keep a water bottle or umbrella separate from the rest of your stuff.
Travelpro Platinum Elite: available from Amazon
For pure functionality, it’s hard to beat Travelpro. Since people need to bring a lot of gadgets with them these days, this bag offers a tablet pocket, padded laptop sleeve for computers up to 15.6 inches and an RFID-blocking security pocket to protect credit card and passport information. It also has a stain-resistant coating to keep it looking professional.
Fossil Haskell Workbag: available from Amazon and Macy’s
Incredibly lightweight when empty, this eye-catching shoulder bag is available with a single compartment or two separate compartments, with or without an accent stripe and with a leather or fabric exterior. The sleek design means it isn’t overly bulky, so you’ll be able to keep it between your feet on the train or under the seat in front of you on an airplane without squishing your toes.
Time Resistance Slim Unisex: available from Amazon
When it comes to looks, Time Resistance has you covered on both the exterior and the interior. This handmade option, available in three colors, has a lot of little details that make it unique. For example, the handles can be pushed in when not in use, so when you’re carrying it by the shoulder strap, they won’t be sticking out.
The best midrange briefcases and messenger bags
Samsonite Leather Checkpoint Friendly: available from Amazon and Macy’s
The feature that sets this one apart is the ability to lay the laptop compartment flat when going through airport security so you won’t need to take your computer out of your bag, which will be a relief for frequent fliers. If you don’t need that capability and want a bit more storage, consider the brand’s equally worthwhile Expandable Business Case.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Manhattan: available from Amazon and Macy’s
Whether you’re on an international flight or a short train commute, it’s nice to have quick access to your most important belongings without having to open up your entire bag. This leather case has exterior pockets for storing chargers and cords, and the RFID-blocking technology can protect important personal information. The 52-inch strap makes it good for taller individuals.
Lannsyne Vintage Messenger Satchel: available from Amazon
If you have a larger computer, it’s important to pay attention to the briefcase’s dimensions. This messenger bag can support a 17-inch laptop and has dividers in its roomy main compartment to help keep all your stuff separate and easy to keep track of.
McKlein Daley Attaché: available from Amazon and Macy’s
For important documents, security is vital, which is why this simple case has a three-digit combination lock. It may not have a shoulder strap, but it does offer a tablet pocket and sturdy feet to keep it from tipping over when you set it down.
Tommy Hilfiger Leo: available from Amazon and Macy’s
You may be doing a double-take at seeing this brand in the midrange section and rightfully so. Both the exterior and interior scream “designer bag,” but it’s available at a very reasonable price. A thin option, this is ideal for people who need to carry little more than a computer and don’t want to be weighed down by a big bulky case.
The best budget-friendly briefcases for under $100
Heritage Travelware Colombian Leather Dual Compartment Top Zip: available from Amazon
Available in three colors and two sizes, this bag is a real bargain and offers an EZ-scan feature that allows you to pass through TSA checkpoints without removing your laptop. There’s also a tablet pocket, removable straps and file dividers to keep important papers in order.
Zebella Vintage PU Leather: available from Amazon
One of the least expensive options out there also has the added benefit of being imitation leather, which will be pleasant news to animal lovers. The front strap closure can get a little annoying, but for a shoulder bag, it has many of the features of pricier models without the major expenditure.
Alpine Swiss Aluminum Attaché Case: available from Amazon
A downside of modern messenger-style bags is that their soft exteriors don’t offer much protection. With this hard-side case, you won’t have that problem. It boasts dual combination locks, a laptop strap and a durable exterior that will protect your belongings while looking quite impressive as well.
Bosidu Leather Travel Bag: available from Amazon
If you take frequent overnight business trips or travel back and forth between multiple offices, your briefcase may have to double as a small suitcase. You can bring extra clothes or toiletries using this choice from Bosidu, which offers a roomy interior to go with a water-resistant exterior.
The best wheeled briefcases
McKlein Edgebrook Wheeled: available from Macy’s
Available in four colors, this leather rolling case has enough space to be used as a carry-on suitcase and can be transported in several ways: carrying it by its twin handles, pulling it using the 41-inch telescoping handle or using the attachment strap to loop it over the handle of a larger suitcase, providing versatility for business travelers.
Alpine Swiss Rolling Catalog Case: available from Amazon
With a puncture-resistant ballistic nylon exterior and frame that doesn’t fold when empty, this is a great option for those transporting a lot of files and documents. It can accommodate a 17-inch laptop as well, and the laptop sleeve is removable for going through airport security.
Samsonite Sideloader Mobile Office: available from Amazon
Another quality offering from trusted brand Samsonite, this one has the unique advantage of a side-loading laptop compartment, which allows you to remove your laptop from the bag while it’s in the overhead bin. It’s a bit heavy even when empty, but travelers who need to keep files organized and pack a change of clothes will appreciate its capacity.
Solo New York Carnegie: available from Amazon and Kohl’s
This bag has a lot in common with the brand’s slightly pricier Morgan model, which has the shape of a file box and only one handle, while this one offers a pair of handles and more of a suitcase feel. Both have file compartments and organizers, and best of all, telescoping handles that can be stored away so you can carry it like a normal briefcase once you reach your destination.
Briggs and Riley @ Work: available from Amazon and Macy’s
Yes, this one is quite expensive, but it does come in two sizes so you can get one that suits your needs, and most importantly, it features spinner wheels. If you’ve never had luggage with them, then you might not know what you’re missing: four independently moving wheels that allow you to gently push your luggage through the airport with minimal arm strain. For some travelers, it’ll be worth the price.
Gregg Parker is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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